- Ostranauts add money command: Use
addcond StatUSD <amount>in the debug console to inject cash - Debug activation: Press F3 or click the ! icon in the top right corner, then type
unlockdebug - Quick cash shortcut: Press Shift + 1 for an instant 50,000 USD injection
- Case sensitivity: All console commands are case-sensitive, so type them exactly as shown
- Risk warning: Some debug commands like Shift + 2 can kill your character if used carelessly
Accessing the Debug Console
The Ostranauts add money command is one of the most useful tools for players who want to bypass the early-game financial grind. Ostranauts is a deeply simulated space salvage game where managing finances, ship repairs, and survival mechanics can be punishing for new players. The debug console provides a legitimate way to experiment with the game's systems without risking a full playthrough reset.
To access the console, you need to be in active gameplay, meaning your character is moving around inside a ship or station. The debug button is not available from the main menu or pause screen.
Video Highlights:
- Learn how to navigate the complex compartment and atmosphere systems
- Understand the Mega Tool Tip (MTT) interface for inspecting objects
- Watch the complete undocking and flight control tutorial
- See the salvage mechanics in action aboard a derelict vessel
Once inside the game world, look at the top right corner of your screen for a small geometric shape marked with an exclamation point (!). Clicking this icon opens the debug console window. Alternatively, you can press F3 to toggle the console on and off at any time.
Before any cheat commands work, you must type unlockdebug into the console and press Enter. This unlocks the debug functions for your current session. If you load a different save file, you will need to run this command again.
| Console Action | Input Method | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Open debug console | Click ! icon or press F3 | Console window appears |
| Unlock cheats | Type unlockdebug | Enables all debug functions |
| View available commands | Type help | Lists usable console commands |
| Clear console text | Type clear | Wipes console output for readability |
Ostranauts Add Money Command Methods
There are two primary ways to add money in Ostranauts, each serving different playstyles. The first method is a quick keyboard shortcut that grants a fixed amount, while the second uses the console command line for precise control over the exact dollar amount.
Method 1: Quick Cash Shortcut
After running unlockdebug, a set of keyboard shortcuts becomes available. The most relevant for money is Shift + 1, which instantly deposits 50,000 USD into your character's account. This is the fastest method when you need a quick injection of funds without typing commands.
Method 2: Precise Amount via Command
For players who want a specific dollar amount, the console command provides full control. The syntax is:
addcond StatUSD <amount>
For example, typing addcond StatUSD 100000 adds 100,000 USD to your current balance. You can run this command multiple times to stack larger amounts.
Use addcond StatUSD 500000 once at the start of your playthrough to secure a comfortable budget for ship repairs, salvage licenses, and equipment. This lets you focus on exploring the game's deep simulation mechanics without constant financial pressure.
| Method | Input | Amount Added | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Keyboard shortcut | Shift + 1 | Fixed 50,000 USD | Quick top-ups during gameplay |
| Console command | addcond StatUSD <amount> | Custom amount | Precise budget control |
| Repeated shortcut | Shift + 1 multiple times | 50k per press | Incremental additions |
Full Debug Command Reference
Beyond the add money command, the Ostranauts debug console offers a wide range of cheats for character modification, item spawning, and world manipulation. Understanding these commands enhances your ability to test builds and explore the game freely.
The commands listed here are sourced from the Ostranaut Cheat Guide on Steam Community, created by Kolljak. The guide is a work in progress and may be updated as new game versions release.
Keyboard Shortcuts
| Shortcut | Effect | Risk Level |
|---|---|---|
| Shift + 1 | Free money (50k USD) | Safe |
| Shift + 2 | Causes explosion at character | Dangerous |
| Shift + C | Spawns an NPC | Safe |
| Shift + K | Random ship damage | Moderate |
Character Stat Commands
You can modify your character's age, skills, and traits using the addcond command. The general syntax is addcond <conditionname> [value].
| Command | Effect | Example |
|---|---|---|
addcond StatAge -9 | De-ages character by 9 years | Reverses aging effects |
addcond IsFeeble -1 | Removes the Feeble trait | Eliminates negative perk |
addcond IsFeeble 1 | Adds the Feeble trait | Testing negative conditions |
addcond player SkillEngMechanical 1 | Increases Mechanical skill | Skill leveling |
All commands in the Ostranauts debug console are case-sensitive. Typing addcond statUSD 1000 will not work. You must use the exact capitalization: addcond StatUSD 1000. Double-check your spelling before pressing Enter.
Step-by-Step: Adding Money in Ostranauts
Follow these steps to successfully use the add money command in your Ostranauts playthrough.
Load Your Save File
Launch Ostranauts and load your existing save or start a new game. Ensure your character is actively moving around inside the game world, as the debug console is only accessible during live gameplay.
Open the Debug Console
Press F3 on your keyboard or click the geometric ! icon in the top right corner of the screen. The debug console window will appear, displaying a text input field at the bottom.
Unlock Debug Functions
Type unlockdebug into the console and press Enter. You should see a confirmation that debug mode has been activated. Without this step, no cheat commands will function.
Execute the Add Money Command
Type addcond StatUSD 100000 (replacing 100000 with your desired amount) and press Enter. Alternatively, press Shift + 1 for an instant 50,000 USD. Check your character's account to confirm the funds have been added.
Close the Console
Press F3 again or click the ! icon to close the debug console. Resume playing with your newly acquired funds. The money persists in your save file.
After running the command, open your PDA or check any financial interface to verify the money has been added. If the balance has not changed, recheck your command spelling and ensure you ran unlockdebug first.
Safe Debugging Practices
Using debug commands in Ostranauts carries some risk, particularly with commands that affect the game world or character health. Follow these guidelines to avoid corrupting your save or accidentally killing your character.
Safe Debugging Checklist:
- Always back up your save file before using debug commands
- Run unlockdebug before attempting any cheat commands
- Avoid pressing Shift + 2 unless you want an explosion at your location
- Double-check command spelling and capitalization before pressing Enter
- Test commands on a new save file before using them on your main playthrough
Dangerous Commands to Avoid
Some debug commands can have severe consequences if used carelessly. The Shift + 2 explosion command deals damage directly to your character's location and can be lethal without protective gear. The Shift + K random ship damage command can breach your hull, causing decompression and atmospheric loss.
While the debug console is a developer tool, excessive use of spawn commands or condition modifications in rapid succession may cause instability. If the game crashes or behaves erratically after using cheats, restart the game and verify your save file integrity through Steam.
Useful Exploits (Non-Console)
Beyond console commands, some exploits exist in normal gameplay. One notable example is the Yoinking exploit: when you see an NPC hauling or dragging an item, you can run up to the item, right-click it, and select the "drop" option. The NPC will release the item, and you can then pick it up without any negative repercussions or reputation loss.
Safe Commands
- addcond StatUSD (money)
- Shift + 1 (quick cash)
- Shift + C (spawn NPC)
- Low risk of game instability
Moderate Risk
- Shift + K (ship damage)
- addcond StatAge (age change)
- Trait modifications
- Test on backup saves first
High Risk
- Shift + 2 (explosion)
- Can instantly kill character
- May destroy nearby equipment
- Use only with pressure suit equipped
Skill and Trait Modification Commands
In addition to the add money command, Ostranauts debug mode allows detailed modification of your character's skills and traits. This is particularly useful for testing different build configurations without replaying the character creation process.
Skill Commands
Skills in Ostranauts determine your effectiveness at various tasks like repairs, construction, and electronics. Use the following syntax to boost skills:
addcond player SkillEng<Name> 1
| Skill Command | Skill Affected |
|---|---|
addcond player SkillEngMechanical 1 | Mechanical Engineering |
addcond player SkillEngConstruction 1 | Construction |
addcond player SkillEngCombat 1 | Combat |
addcond player SkillEngRobotics 1 | Robotics |
addcond player SkillEngCivil 1 | Civil Engineering |
addcond player SkillEngElectronic 1 | Electronics |
Trait Management
Starting negative traits can be removed using the addcond command with a value of -1. This is useful if you want to respec your character without starting a new game.
To remove a trait, use addcond <TraitName> -1. For example, addcond IsFeeble -1 removes the Feeble trait. To add a trait for testing, use addcond <TraitName> 1.
| Trait Command | Effect |
|---|---|
addcond IsFeeble -1 | Removes Feeble negative trait |
addcond IsUnfit -1 | Removes Unfit negative trait |
addcond IsFragile -1 | Removes Fragile negative trait |
addcond IsInsomniac -1 | Removes Insomniac negative trait |
addcond IsHypovolemic2 -1 | Removes Hypovolemic trait |
addcond IsVisualImpaired -1 | Removes Visual Impairment |
Troubleshooting Common Issues
When the Ostranauts add money command or other debug functions do not work as expected, several common causes may be responsible. This section covers the most frequent issues and their solutions.
The debug commands in this guide were verified on game version 0.15.0.11 (Fire in the Hold! update). Future updates may change command syntax or add new functions. Always check the latest community guides if commands stop working after an update.
| Issue | Likely Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Console does not open | Wrong game state | Ensure character is in active gameplay, not a menu |
| Commands not recognized | unlockdebug not run | Type unlockdebug first, then retry your command |
| Money not added | Incorrect capitalization | Use exact casing: StatUSD, not statusd |
| Game crashes after command | Conflicting conditions | Restart game, use commands one at a time |
| Skills not increasing | Wrong syntax | Include player prefix: addcond player SkillEngMechanical 1 |
Finding Correct Item and Condition Names
If you need to find the exact internal names for items or conditions, use the condowners and cooverlays commands in the debug console. These commands display the internal naming conventions used by the game engine, which you can then reference in your addcond or spawn commands.
The Ostranauts cheat guide is a community-maintained resource. If you discover new commands or item names, consider sharing them in the Steam Community guide comments to help other players.
FAQ
Q: What is the Ostranauts add money command?
The primary command is `addcond StatUSD <amount>`. Type this into the debug console (opened with F3) after running `unlockdebug`. For example, `addcond StatUSD 100000` adds 100,000 USD to your account. You can also press Shift + 1 for a quick 50,000 USD.
Q: Do I need to enable cheats before using console commands?
Yes. Before any debug commands work, you must open the console with F3 and type `unlockdebug`. This activates the debug functions for your current session. If you reload a save, you will need to run this command again.
Q: Can using debug commands corrupt my save file?
While debug commands are generally safe when used correctly, excessive or rapid use of spawn and condition commands may cause instability. Always back up your save file before experimenting with cheats, and avoid using dangerous commands like Shift + 2 (explosion) near important equipment.
Q: Are the console commands case-sensitive?
Yes, all commands in the Ostranauts debug console are case-sensitive. You must type commands exactly as written, including capitalization. For example, `StatUSD` must have capital S, U, S, and D. Typing `statusd` will not work.
Q: Can I remove negative traits from my character?
Yes. Use the command `addcond <TraitName> -1` to remove a negative trait. For example, `addcond IsFeeble -1` removes the Feeble trait. You can also add traits with a value of 1 for testing purposes.